Charles wrote:
I have to differ with Mr. Coopland, at least based on my observation of pictures of the Tour de France from the 1920s. It appears that frame size was quite varied, but the general trend was taller frames with not-much seat-post showing.
I've wondered if sizing and seat-to-pedal distances weren't considered somewhat differently then? Could it be that at times it was thought that less leg-extension was somehow a good thing? Thus, saddles were lower than they would be today?
Numerous pictures I've seen of riders in the 20s suggest tall frames, short posts, and short stems were the rule... a Gloria catalog I have, from about 1940, shows this very clearly, too.
After speaking to many people who had personal experience racing in the 30's in Italy, it seemed to be a common thread that the saddles were indeed a good 2-3 cm lower than they would now be. The most common explanations were: that this allowed the riders to better absorb the road shock caused by the poor roads: and, that it allowed the riders to make more use of potential torque (thigh strength) than potential power (full leg strength) with the limited gear possibilities. If you look at photos like Charles suggests, you will note that as more gears and better roads become available, the extension of the leg does become greater.
Has anybody else heard this type of comment? Does this make any sense to you?
-- Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ ---------------------- Forwarded Message: --------------------- From: chasds@mindspring.com To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]frame sizes in the 1920s Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 12:38:51 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
I have to differ with Mr. Coopland, at least based on my observation of pictures of the Tour de France from the 1920s. It appears that frame size was quite varied, but the general trend was taller frames with not-much seat-post showing.
I've wondered if sizing and seat-to-pedal distances weren't considered somewhat differently then? Could it be that at times it was thought that less leg-extension was somehow a good thing? Thus, saddles were lower than they would be today?
Numerous pictures I've seen of riders in the 20s suggest tall frames, short posts, and short stems were the rule... a Gloria catalog I have, from about 1940, shows this very clearly, too.
And I'm sure there were always exceptions.
Charles Andrews
Los Angeles